You’ve seen them near where you live and have likely shopped at one: flea markets. Typically, they’re outdoor markets where second-hand goods are bought and sold. The term is derived from a French term “marché aux puces” for a market that sells used goods that might contain fleas.

An individual that loans money to another person for an exorbitant fee is sometimes known as a “loan shark.” Unfortunately, the term is often misused to describe legal lenders that charge rates that are above what most of us think are reasonable.

With international economies constantly being on a roller coaster ride and the banking world facing unprecedented failures and closures, you will naturally want to find a safe place for your money. Since the cookie jar is no longer an option, you have to look at smarter avenues that may be available.

It’s very tempting to live above your means nowadays. We are encouraged to do this daily by all of the ads and offers constantly put in front of our eyes. Yet if we aren’t careful, this can get out of control and we can get into a financial hole.

Small business operators have a number of tax deductions available to them including deductions for business trips. About such deductions the IRS states, “Travel expenses are the ordinary and necessary expenses of traveling away from home for your business, profession, or job.”